Fine Living
Company: Fine Living
Since its March 2002 launch, the FINE LIVING brand, led by president Ken Solomon, emerged as one of America’s fastest-growing television networks. In a remarkable industry accomplishment, it achieved contracts representing more than 70% of the market within 10 months. It currently reaches over 13.5 million households, with millions more scheduled to roll out.
FINE LIVING has won acceptance on all key fronts, in addition to major distributors ranging from Time Warner and Comcast to DirecTV and The National Cable Television Cooperative. FINE LIVING has attracted some of the most credible and authoritative partners in its content areas, ranging from The Wall Street Journal to Food & Wine Magazine. FINE LIVING’s 100% original lineup is responsible for creation of hundreds of full-length episodes and thousands of mini- segments -- with over 30 original television series and over 50 original specials now in 2003. (The creative services team recently won multiple Addy Awards for its “Promises Made, Promises Kept” campaign tape which introduces the network and its programming to various constituencies –submitted under separate cover.)
Most important, it targets and serves a broad-based consumer need and is true to its credo: “Live Like You Mean It.” Whether FINE LIVING content is about restoring an Austin Healy, interior decorating, taking an African safari, finding an intimate bed and breakfast, or bargain-hunting at all price points, the brand inspires people across all demographics and income levels – empowering them to live better. As AP reported: “This new cable channel doesn’t define ‘fine living’ in terms of being rich and famous….Instead, the Fine Living network operates on the premise that since a good life can’t be bought, but must be chosen, viewers benefit from better- informed choices.”
Success stories can also be told about the brand extension FineLiving.com website. FINE LIVING’s online accomplishments were recognized with a “Best of Industry” award in the Broadcast category from the Web Marketing Association -- only a matter of months after launch. Similarly, the newest extension, “Notes to Self” electronic newsletter is making tremendous leaps in popularity. Readership (online hits) has grown from 25,000 to 250,000 to over 500,000 in its first three issues.
In the process, FINE LIVING is attracting an audience coveted by advertisers: self- selected, pre-qualified and tuning into FINE LIVING because of specific lifestyle interests. It’s not surprise that – even within the hard-pressed advertising community – FINE LIVING has proven a shining light of growth today and continuing potential tomorrow. Already, it has built an impressive roster of more than 100 advertisers, in less than a year – with names ranging from Diet Coke and BMW to Viking and Prudential.
This new company – FINE LIVING— is truly a win-win for all: viewers, on-line users, producers, advertisers, TV distributors and, of course, as the latest member of the Scripps Networks family, for The E.W. Scripps Company.
Company Description: FINE LIVING offers 100% original lifestyle programming that inspires and empowers people to live better. It is an authoritative and entertaining source that simplifies the myriad of options for living a balanced and satisfying life. Launched March 2002 along with companion website FineLiving.com, it is one of the fastest-growing networks, reaching more than 13.5 million television households.
Nomination Category: Company, Office & Product Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Best New Company
Nomination Title: Fine Living
Over the past year, while numerous companies faced a tough economic climate and marketplace, FINE exceeded even its own expectations and forged a new standard in programming and online content with “TV you can use.”
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Supporting materials for this nomination were submitted offline.
Earlier in his career, as president of Universal Studios Television), Ken Solomon oversaw program and asset development and distribution activities on a worldwide basis for primetime network, cable, syndication and made-for-television movies. As co-head of DreamWorks Television, he laid the groundwork for what would become DreamWorks SKG Studio. He has also held senior positions at News Corp., and was founding president of IBlast, the nation’s largest and farthest reaching digital distribution network. His pro-bono endeavors are many, including work with H.E.L.P. Group, one of the largest children’s charities in the western U.S., which honored him as “Humanitarian of the Year.”